Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda on Sunday visited the fruit mela at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bengaluru and called for the establishment of a national jackfruit and tamarind board to promote these crops. After touring the stalls, Gowda noted that while the event was promoted as a joint festival, jackfruit was underrepresented compared to mangoes. He emphasized the need for a dedicated board to support farmers and enhance the production and marketing of jackfruit and tamarind, which have significant potential in Karnataka and other states. The mela, which showcased a variety of mangoes and other seasonal fruits, attracted many visitors, including foreign tourists who were seen picking their favorite mango varieties. Gowda's visit underscored the importance of diversifying fruit cultivation and providing institutional support for lesser-known but economically valuable crops.
